Blue White Illustrated

SPRING GAME SUMMARY THREE'S COMPANY Hull, left, and Dieffenbach stand with athletic director Dave Joyner at halftime. Steve Manuel WORKOUT WARRIORS Penn State honors most improved, most committed of spring practice | Head coach Bill O'Brien said Mike Hull, a redshirt junior linebacker from Canonsburg, Pa., is one of the best football players on the team. "He is tough guy, smart guy, a Pittsburgh guy. I cannot say enough about him," O'Brien said. Hull and redshirt junior guard Miles Dieffenbach were named the winners of the Frank Patrick Total Commitment Award, one of three awards that Penn State hands out to recognize improvement during spring practice. Hull and Dieffenbach are in good company, as the 2012 award went to John Urschel, who went on to become a first-team All-Big Ten offensive guard. "I've worked hard ever since I've been here," Hull said. "To get recognized like that feels good. Hopefully I'll keep working toward being a better player for next year." Hull excels in pass coverage, is a good blitzer and leads by example, O'Brien said. He didn't see a lot of action in the Blue-White Game, as the coaches were focused on keeping their linebacker corps healthy. But big things are expected this fall. Said O'Brien, "I know the team respects him." Hull had a productive season as a backup last fall, recording 58 tackles including four sacks. He returned a fumble for a touchdown against Navy and blocked a punt against Ohio State. Hull said the team has been working with defensive coordinator John Butler on getting off the field on third down and forcing more turnovers. "The key is to work as a unit next year," Hull said. "We'll have to make up for the losses of Michael Mauti, Gerald Hodges and Jordan Hill by playing disciplined football, no matter where we are on the field." Penn State also recognized its most improved offensive and defensive players during the spring game. The Red Worrell Award for offense was presented to senior center Ty Howle. The 2012 award went to Howle's predecessor, Matt Stankiewitch, another All-Big Ten honoree. The Jim O'Hora Award for defense was shared by redshirt junior defensive end C.J. Olaniyan and sophomore cornerback Jordan Lucas. The 2012 recipient was Hill. Lucas said it was great to receive the award, because his parents were in the stands to see him honored. He finished the game with two tackles, one of which was for a 1-yard loss. He said he's going to use the honor as motivation as the season approaches. "I'm going to keep moving," he said. "I can't look back now. Spring is over and I've got to get ready for Syracuse."

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